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History

NETWORK—a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and
peace—educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation.

ABOUT US (Our Values and What We Do)

Founded by Catholic sisters in the progressive spirit of Vatican
II, NETWORK works to create a society that promotes justice and the
dignity of all in the shared abundance of God’s creation.

Inspired by our founders and the leadership of the women
who followed, we faithfully embody Gospel justice as we ignite hope in the world. We are rooted in the
Catholic social justice tradition and open to all who share our passion.

Believing in the power of community, our Spirit-filled network of justice-seekers shapes federal
policies to be consistent with the values we hold:

A just society includes all and values people over the
accumulation of profits.

We work to change structures that cause poverty and
inequality, placing the needs of people at the economic margins and
excluded at the center of our advocacy.

We work for a federal budget that benefits everyone
and a just tax system that ensures that all pay their fair share.

We work to ensure inclusion of everyone in our economy
and democracy.

A just society ensures that all people – the 100% –
have what they need to live dignified lives.

We work for justly compensated jobs and quality
healthcare for all.

We work to protect the rights of immigrants and all
who struggle at the margins.

We work for affordable housing, food assistance and
safety-net programs for all who need them.

A just society recognizes that we live in an
interconnected world.

We work for nonviolent solutions to conflict.

We work to alleviate unequal burdens created by
climate change.

We work for trade policies that are rooted in justice
and that protect all.

NETWORK - Forty Years of Justice and Peacemaking

On December 17, 1971, 47 Catholic Sisters from across the U.S. involved in education, healthcare, community organizing and other direct service gathered at Trinity College in Washington DC to shape a new ministry of justice. This came at a time when the Catholic Church was undergoing dramatic changes in response to Vatican II reforms and calls from the Vatican and U.S. Bishops to seek “Justice in the World.” Women religious boldly joined in the waves of civil rights, feminist and anti-war activism that were sweeping the U.S.During their weekend meeting, they voted to form a national "network" of Sisters to lobby for federal policies and legislation that promote economic and social justice.

To get their organization off the ground, they passed a bag and collected $187, and in April 1972 they opened a two-person office in Washington. Soon thereafter, the Conference of Major Superiors of Women Religious (now the Leadership Conference of Women Religious) voted its strong support of NETWORK, passing the resolution by a wide margin.

Throughout the 1970s, NETWORK’s first home and staff residence served as a center for Washington-area Catholic justice and peace activism, with Saturday-night liturgies that drew activists from near and far. The justice agenda was far-reaching, ranging from global hunger to nuclear weapons and women’s rights. NETWORK’s famous legislative seminars drew hundreds of participants and presenters who included prominent Members of Congress (e.g., Senators Ted Kennedy, Adlai Stevenson, Barbara Mikulski, Walter Mondale and Joseph Biden) and other luminaries like Fr. Bryan Hehir.

NETWORK’s impact continued to strengthen in the years that followed. In January 2001, President William Clinton presented the Presidential Citizens Medal, our nation’s second highest civilian honor, to one of our founders and first Executive Director, Sr. Carol Coston. She was the first Catholic Sister ever to receive this award. During his remarks, President Clinton noted that “…she helped to create NETWORK, a national Catholic lobby that has mobilized thousands of nuns and lay people to fight for social progre